Kerala Blasters FC
Albino Gomes : 6.5/10
Albino Gomes had a decent game in goal even though he didn’t have much to deal with as most of the shots on his goal were off target. Albino got beaten the sheer pace behind the strike that Krishna unleashed on his goal and that proved to be the difference between the sides.
Costa Nhamoinesu : 8/10
There was much anticipation around the debut of Costa Nhamoinesu. The Zimbabwean International had a great first game in the Hero ISL. Blocking efforts on goal, marking Roy Krishna and keeping him quiet for most parts of the night, Costa really had an appreciable game. His ability to distribute the ball from the back suits Kibu’s style of possession-based football.
Bakary Kone : 7/10
A lot has been written about Kone who has played in the Champions League and has also donned the Olympique Lyonnais jersey. But his debut in the Hero ISL was a bit of an anti-climax. He did have a decent game for a first outing with a new side but given the sheer expectations surrounding him and Costa, he will need to be better than today. His failure in closing down Manvir from crossing the ball into the box which led to Krishna’s goal will have to addressed by Kibu Vicuna
Jessel Carneiro : 7/10
Jessel Carneiro was impressive in the LB position and his overlapping runs down the wing did create problems in the ATKMB defence. His cross almost set up the first goal 10 mins into the second half but Sahal missed to convert the chance. Defensively he looked solid too, not letting much past him.
Prasanth K : 7/10
Prasanth and Jessel swapping wings and overlapping down the flanks looked the best bets to unlock a resilient Mariners defence. Prasanth too was solid defensively, while he being out of position during a counter-attack meant Manvir could put a ball in the box past Kone, led to the Blasters not registering any points on the board.
Sergio Cidoncha: 7/10
The Blasters captain had an okay game but his blunder cost his side the game. ATK Mohun Bagan’s only goal came after the cross from the right flank was not cleared properly by him. His mistimed header fell kindly for Krishna who made no mistakes. Cidoncha will look to forget his part in the goal that proved to be the difference and move on to the next game.
Vicente Gomez: 7.5/10
Vincente Gomez has played in the La Liga and Indian football fans and the Manjappada were anxious about the debut of the man who last represented Deportivo La Coruna. It was a bittersweet opening game for the Spaniard where he did dictate the game in the midfield along with Cidoncha but didn’t cause many problems in the final third for the likes of Sandesh Jhingan and Tiri to deal with.
Nongdamba Naorem : 7.5/10
Naorem who had played under Kibu Vicuna in the I-League last season and is once again part of Kibu’s plan this time in the ISL. Naorem was a constant menace down the left and his deflected cross almost put the Blasters ahead but Sahal couldn’t be at the right place at the right time. Naorem had a good game and will look to improve on his display against North East United.
ALSO READ – Kibu Vicuna says Kerala Blasters need to improve in the final third.
Sahal Abdul Samad : 6/10
There has been a lot of talks about how Sahal is integral to Kibu Vicuna’s plan this season and the Indian International could be playing a bigger role for the Blasters this season. Sahal missed an absolute sitter of an opportunity when a cross from Jessel fell kindly for him and he scoffed a shot where he should have hit the target at the very least. He did get to see a lot more of the ball but wasn’t able to do much with it. He will have to be a whole lot better in the next game.
Ritwik Das : 7/10
Ritwik had a decent debut for the Blasters. Moving to Kerala from Real Kashmir, Kibu Vicuna put his faith on the young winger and he didn’t disappoint. Ritwik and Naorem along with Jessel and Prasanth and their link-up down the flanks are the positives that the Blasters faithful will take away from the first game.
Gary Hooper: 6.5/10
Gary Hooper had scored all over the world, the Premier League, the Scottish League and the A-League but wasn’t able to find the back of the net in first ISL match. Credit will have to go to Sandesh, Pritam and Tiri who managed to keep the prolific striker quiet. Also, the Blasters failed to create any clear cut opportunities for the man and the Manjapadda would be hoping Hooper finds the net against the Highlanders.
Substitues
Seityasen Singh : 6.5/10
Jordan Murray : 6/10
Facundo Pereyra: 5/10
Lalruatthara: 5.5/10
Lalthathanga Khawlhring : 5.5/10
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